1 Of 4 Bullet-train Proposals Hits Snag

April 7, 1988|By DUNSTAN McNICHOL, Staff Writer

One plan to run 150-mph trains on a Miami-Orlando-Tampa route has been sidetracked by the state`s refusal to help pay for the project, the Florida High Speed Rail Transportation Commission was told on Wednesday.

``We would not be able, in good conscience, to participate in a process which would preclude public participation financially,`` George Billman, a representative of Stone & Webster Engineers, told members of the commission overseeing competition for Florida`s proposed high-speed train at a meeting in Orlando.

``We have concluded we cannot be an applicant because under the existing legislation the state cannot pay for any participation,`` he said.

Billman`s company was among four firms that last week submitted proposals to build and operate the proposed line by 1995.

The commission, with three of six commissioners participating by long- distance telephone, heard Billman as they considered rejecting bids from his firm and one other because they did not include all of a required $35,000 application fee.

Despite objections from two companies, the commission agreed to give Stone & Webster and the other firm, All American MagnePlane Inc., until 5 p.m. on Monday to file the full fees.

Billman left open the possibility that his firm would pay the fee and remain in contention, but he said that even if it did it would demand up to $500 million in state assistance.

David Ramsey, president of All American MagnePlane, said his firm would pay.

Two other firms competing for rights to build the $2 billion system and win special real estate development benefits complained that the commission was changing the rules by letting their rivals submit their fees late.

``I think you can rest assured we will not welcome the late payment of fees and filing of applications, and we will take appropriate legal steps,`` said Elliott Barnett, attorney for the private Florida High Speed Rail Corp.

The commission also agreed to seek state legislation that would give the rail planners a voice in mapping out the state`s future transportation spending.

The proposed bill would let the commission review Department of Transportation spending plans and suggest adjustments in the scheduling of projects they think would help the rail project.

State Transportation Secretary Kaye Henderson has asked rail commission Chairman David Blumberg to defer the proposed legislation at least a year.

Since its inception six years ago, supporters of the high-speed train have said private firms will be able to finance the project with the money to be made by developing property along the rail line.